Top Asda executives flew into Belfast on Wednesday to meet with the family caught up in a dispute over a double killer reinstated after being sacked for allegedly making comments about The Sash.
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Protests were held for four days outside the supermarket chain's branch on the Shore Road in the wake of Billy Hunter's dismissal, following a complaint.
A number of people paid tribute to the 54-year-old's popularity and good character. But it later emerged - after he had been reinstated on appeal - that he was a two-time murderer behind the brutal shooting of two Catholic brothers in Mount Vernon in 1975.
Thomas and John McErlane were work colleagues of Mr Hunter's when he lured them to a flat in the estate, supposedly to play poker. He shot them both in the head.
The McErlane family then spoke out about the hurt caused by the public shows of support for the man behind the killings.
"I'm just wondering, now that they've heard that he is a convicted murderer, what do these people think of him?" the victims' brother Gerard McErlane told UTV, as he revealed the family would be seeking a meeting with Asda management.
On Wednesday, Asda showed they were taking the situation seriously when Operations Director Mark Ibbottson and Rick Bendal from US parent company Walmart met with the McErlanes at a west Belfast hotel.
And after nearly four hours, both parties emerged to say the dispute had been resolved - although they refused to answer questions on what decisions had been made, simply reading from prepared statements.
"We are all very pleased with the outcome of the meeting and for their understanding and sympathetic attitude to us all," said Mr McErlane.
"We hope this episode in our life is now over."
He added: "Bigotry and sectarianism in our society is totally unwanted - we hope people with this frame of mind can change as it brings nothing but hurt and pain to everyone from both sides of our community.
"We want to make it clear that prisoners who have served their time have every right to work in their communities and beyond."
Asda's statement thanked the McErlane family for their dignity throughout what the company called "an extremely difficult and sensitive situation".
In what was generally felt to have been a positive meeting, the company stressed its on-going commitment to its customers and staff alike.
"Our goal is to create and foster a friendly environment, ensuring that no one ever feels any threat - which is why we provide a colleague confidential phoneline for anyone with concerns," the statement read.
"We do not, and will not, tolerate any form of discrimination or provocation against any customer or colleague and - as an outcome of this extremely unfortunate issue - we will be briefing all our employees on the high standards expected of them and on the importance of respecting other people's view and avoiding offence."
Sinn Fein North Belfast MLA Gerry Kelly welcomed the meeting between members of the McErlane family and Chief Executives of ASDA.
"I am glad that today's meeting between the McErlane family and senior representatives from WALMART, the company who own ASDA, took place", he said.
"I commend once again the dignity and courage shown by the McErlane's over the course of recent days and weeks."
Billy Hunter has not spoken to the media, but the PUP's Ken Wilkinson said he was relieved the situation has been resolved.
"I would welcome the decision that's been taken today," he said.
"I think common sense has prevailed and I think that Billy would also welcome this decision - so that not only he can move on with his life, but maybe the McErlanes as well."
© UTV News